Mind you, out here in the sticks, it was pitch black and pouring down with rain last night! No idea what it was like at Gatwick, but they must have some seriously good cameras on them to operate in those conditions.

It looks to me as though Gatwick were prepared in that they instantly shut down operations. I'm not sure exactly how much more they could have done in the way of preparation.

I doubt it's criminals in the sense of organised crime with the intent of financial gain, but certainly it is criminal activity under the ANOs in terms of endangering aircraft and the passengers inside. It's almost certainly yoofs/immature adults seeking attention by 'sticking it to the man'. Youths with two or three figure IQs go into hacking PC games/the internet, those with single figure IQs get their kicks disrupting traffic with lunatic behaviour riding motorbikes and driving cars, irrersponsible drone flying is just the next step for those averse to risking their own skins. Youthful rebellion gone wrong, same as it ever was (to nick a lyric).

Remember those questions in the CAA questionaire regarding active and passive anti-drone measures? Those measures are needed NOW. The risk of a drone dropping on a house is insignificent in comparison to the risk of a drone bringing down a commercial aircraft full of passengers.

We've yet to see this fiasco fully play out, but it does seem to be a strange incident and not one that fits the usual profile of someone flying his drone close to or in commercial airways for the YouTube 'hit'. Any photos of these machines found their way onto social media yet? More to this than meets the eye? Watching the news with interest.

As has been said here, you can legislate until you're blue in the face, but unless the law can be effectively enforced and transgressors given severe fines or lengthy stays in prison (if indeed they can be caught), expect this type of recklessness more often, given the world-wide publicity.

It's almost certainly yoofs/immature adults seeking attention by 'sticking it to the man'.

Disgruntled ex-employee? Environmentalists?

Airports are going to have to get their chequebooks out and install systems for detecting and tracking both cooperative and un-cooperative UAVs and put plans in place so that "drones" being spotted does not lead to the airport being closed for over 12 hours.

“The public needs to understand that drones are not just toys and could have catastrophic consequences if they collide with an aircraft. We know a lot of drones will be under people’s Christmas trees and we implore them to ensure they’re aware of the rules and fly their drones in a safe and sensible manner.

“These drone sightings at Gatwick are further evidence that tougher laws and enforcement are required to keep drones clear of manned flights. That’s why we need the registration and education process in force sooner rather than later, so people flouting the law can be caught and prosecuted. At the same time, BALPA is also calling for the Government to consider toughening the law to create a larger no-fly zone around airports.

“We need to ensure people flying drones take responsibility for their actions and do so responsibly with the knowledge that if they endanger an aircraft they could face jail.”

Somewhere within a few miles of Gatwick there's one or more spotty little gits sniggering away, I'm surprised they're not publicising their antics as this hasn't yet been spotted on instagram or whatever is flavour of the month. No doubt that will be how they're eventually caught unless a neighbour spots the drone returning for fresh batteries.

25 years for endangering multiple lives might be an effective deterrent.

Here in France we've all had to register with the equivalents of the BMFA and the CAA, pass an on-line safety course and register every model we own. Each model now has its own unique number and as of 1st January 2019, it will be illegal to fly a model aircraft without its number on it. The number must be legible at a distance of 30 cms, IIRC.

Of course, if someone wanted to fly a drone over an airport do you think they'd bother to register it?

Of course, if someone wanted to fly a drone over an airport do you think they'd bother to register it?

Indeed. But what are we seeing thing morning? Calls for more laws and regulations that will only penalise the law abiding from people who do not seem to know the existing laws.

The shadow transport secretary -

"Events at Gatwick airport highlight the urgent need for clear rules on the use of drones near airports. There has been growing concern over the increasing number of near misses between drones and manned aircraft and the government has been too slow to act.

“The government should fast-track the introduction of a regulatory framework to protect against the misuse of drones and ensure the safety of UK airspace. This should include a drone exclusion zone around airports."

"Events at Gatwick airport highlight the urgent need for clear rules on the use of drones near airports. There has been growing concern over the increasing number of near misses between drones and manned aircraft and the government has been too slow to act.. . . .

Does the shadow transport secretary not know that there already are clear rules? Isn't 'don't fly near airports' good enough?

"Events at Gatwick airport highlight the urgent need for clear rules on the use of drones near airports. There has been growing concern over the increasing number of near misses between drones and manned aircraft and the government has been too slow to act.

“The government should fast-track the introduction of a regulatory framework to protect against the misuse of drones and ensure the safety of UK airspace. This should include a drone exclusion zone around airports."

The title of this thread ! Seems it applies to more than the drone operators!